The purpose of a writer is to be read, and the criticism which would destroy the power of pleasing must be blown aside

None of the projects or designs which exercise the mind of man are equally subject to obstructions and disappointments with the pursuit of fame.

He that reads and grows no wiser seldom suspects his own deficiency, but complains of hard words and obscure sentences, and asks why books are written which cannot be understood.

Men seldom give pleasure when they are not pleased themselves.

No cause more frequently produces bashfulness than too high an opinion of our own importance. He that imagines an assembly filled with his merit, panting with expectation, and hushed with attention, easily terrifies himself with the dread of disappointing them, and strains his imagination in pursuit of something that may vindicate the veracity of fame, and show that his reputation was not gained by chance.

Luncheon: as much food as one's hand can hold.

Locke, whom there is no reason to suspect of being a favorer of idleness or libertinism, has advanced that whoever hopes to employ any part of his time with efficacy and vigor must allow some of it to pass with trifles.